No more ticks

So far this spring, I have spent a total of seven days in the woods both scouting and guiding for turkey hunters, including my three boys. Due to the early warmup, ticks have emerged sooner than usual.

I hate ticks — finding even one is too many for me. I have tried various products with success, and I’m always on the lookout for effective ways to keep ticks away. That’s why I perked up when I learned of a new garment made by Gamehide called ElimiTick.

It just came out this spring and it’s designed with a manmade repellent that is bonded to the fabric of the garment. The company says it will last through 70 washings, which is the expected life of the garment.

I have a friend who works for Gamehide, Steve Huettl, and I was eager to get my hands on a set of Elimitick clothing to try this spring. He shipped me a pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt that I bought at a reduced price. The two items retail for around $50 each.

Folks, this stuff is worth every penny. Earlier this week, I went up to Camp Ripley to serve as a guide for a disabled World War II veteran taking part in a special hunt for disabled vets held every year at the camp. I went out with him and his grandson, first for an afternoon of scouting, then out in the woods the next day for the hunt.

We were warned that there were lots of ticks out in the woods, and so I was sure to wear my ElimiTick clothing at all times. Meanwhile, my hunter’s grandson wore standard clothing the first afternoon.

He was picking off lots of ticks — he counted at least 15 by the time we finished our hour-and-a-half scouting trip. I, however, didn’t find a single one. And, I didn’t find one the next day, either.

I had similar results the week before on hunts with my three sons. But, I figured it may have been a little early for ticks. Usually, I don’t find any during the first turkey season in Minnesota in mid April, no matter what I’m wearing.

Now, I can honestly say that this product works! I would love to visit the facility where ElimiTick is made and observe the manufacturing process. I am fascinated by this product and I think it will revolutionize the hunting-clothing industry. With late-season hunts in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, I can put my tick fears to rest and concentrate on chasing turkeys.

I would also add that this clothing is about more than just eliminating the annoyance of ticks crawling on your skin and biting you. This is also about protecting yourself from Lyme disease. Though I have never gotten the disease, everything I have read about it suggests it is something to be avoided if at all possible.

This clothing will do just that. You can order it online at http://www.gamehide.com. There also are plenty of local sporting goods stores that carry Gamehide products. I did see ElimiTick clothing on sale online at Joe’s Sporting Goods in St. Paul. There are two types of shirts, cargo pants and a hat.

I haven’t tried the hat yet, but I’m not sure it’s necessary. Ticks inhabit grass and leaves, so they generally first make contact on your feet, ankles and legs. Thus, those are the most important areas to cover with ElimiTick clothing. I’m so glad to be able to hunt without worrying about ticks. Pulling a gobbler into gun range is hard enough without the added distraction of ticks.

About Dave Hrbacek

Staff photographer and writer for The Catholic Spirit. Also, avid outdoors enthusiast with a passion for hunting, fishing and photography. Married to Julie and have four children, three boys and a girl.